Trial Opens 2 Years After Feds Break up Militia

Nearly two years after their arrest, seven members of a Midwest militia are set to stand to trial on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government.

Jurors must decide whether federal authorities prevented an attack by homegrown extremists or simply made too much of the anti-government boasts by weekend warriors who trained in southernMichigan.

Opening statements are set for Monday in Detroit federal court once a jury is seated. Members of the Hutaree militia are charged with conspiring to commit sedition, or rebellion, as well as weapon crimes.

Defense attorneys claim the anti-government talk was simply colorful yet aimless bluster. But the indictment tells a more sinister story of a violent group plotting to kill a police officer and then attack the funeral procession.

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